Palestine and the Middle East: A Chronicle of Passion and Politics [Paperback]

Jaffer Ali (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 4, 2003

A book of hard-hitting essays about one of the critical global conflicts of our time. Writes author Jaffer Ali: "The Palestinian struggle is actually a human one that transcends Palestine. . . There is no longer a place for Zionism in the 21st Century. . . as long as there is any state in the Middle East that defines citizenship by racial, ethnic or religious categorization, there will never be a lasting peace. "If the popular will were expressed in all of the oil regimes, it is likely that oil and gas would be used as a weapon to deter US military might. At the very least, these resources would be utilized for the development of the region's economy. Presently the combined GNP of 22 Arab countries equals that of Spain, even though over half of all the world's oil sits in various deserts. The oil may benefit a handful of leaders and their extended families, but over 85% of the region lives under the poverty line.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Dandelion Books, LLC (November 4, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1893302458
• ISBN-13: 978-1893302457
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.3 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,512,934 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-read., April 6, 2004

By 

Lynn A. Price "[e-mail]" (Humble, TX United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Palestine and the Middle East: A Chronicle of Passion and Politics (Paperback)

This thoughtful, provocative book is a must-read for anyone wanting to know the truth behind the turmoil of the Mid-East. Ali is not a radical, he offers the point of view not seen in American media. As with all conflict there is another side - Ali offers this to us, as well as a more believable reason for the invasion of Iraq. Our current leadership has an agenda - one that does not set well with the rest of the world, and might not set well with the American people if they KNEW what it was. Read this book - it's a real eye opener.

5.0 out of 5 stars Making sense out of madness, April 6, 2004

By 

gybergolfer "cybergypsy" (New Zealand) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Palestine and the Middle East: A Chronicle of Passion and Politics (Paperback)

Jaffir Ali takes us on both a very personal journey of what it means to be Palestinian in both the land of plenty and the land of desolation and humiliation and offers succinctly explanations for the conflict, explanations not redily offered in the mainstream media, media that is complicit in the web of obfuscation and silence. This is an eminently easy read, far from the thickly layered writings of Noam Chomsky or the intellectual depth of Edward Said's "Orientalism" , Jaffir Ali's quick fire essays are a perfect introduction to the Middle East/Palestinian crisis for readers who are only now beginning to realise that "there's something wrong with this picture" and is an excellent springboard for any wishing to learn more about the machinations of post WW2 colonial aspirations. Jaffir Ali's "Palestine and the Middle East: A Chronicle of Passion and Politics" should be required reading in at least Political Studies 101. Reccomended further readings: "The Fateful Triangle" by Noam Chomsky Black Rose Books...ISBN: 0920057-21-7. "Orientalism" by Edward Said available from this website. For continued updates on the Israel/Palestine situation subscribe to the excellent internet newsletter Viewpoint edited by Jaffir [e-mail]

5.0 out of 5 stars If you read only one book on the Middle East, this is it!, April 5, 2004

By 

Paula Riley (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Palestine and the Middle East: A Chronicle of Passion and Politics (Paperback)

As an American of Palestinian decent Mr. Ali guides the reader through the passion that motivates and inflames the political issues of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He is clearly anti-violence and committed to peace---a peace that is only possible through empathy and accountability. Mr. Ali illuminates the reasoning of desperation without validating it. He demands a worldwide even application of standards concerning occupation, in particular in Israel.

Mr. Ali's essays swing from erudite political treatises to gut-wrenching, emotional, and deeply personal testimonies. Whether he is analytical or impassioned he is always, and consistently, honest to the information and to the reader. After reading "Palestine and the Middle East" you will never be able to hear "the news" without hearing the bias.

Must reading for anyone who wants to understand failures and create the dialogue that will bring peace in the region.